Table of Contents
Can I install a metal roof myself?
While most metal roofing styles can be installed as an advanced DIY project, metal roofing installation is complicated and can vary slightly based on the brand of panels or shingles that you select. We recommend that you install a metal roof with one or two helpers and fall protection equipment designed for roof work.
What is the best way to install a metal roof over shingles?
The first is to apply an approved underlayment over the old shingles. This is the fastest way to install but it doesn’t provide the flattest surface for metal roofing installation. The second way is to install 1×4 purlins over the shingles. This is more expensive but will also be higher quality.
Do I need underlayment for metal roof?
The short answer is yes, your metal roof does need underlayment . But like most things in life, it’s not quite that simple. While most building codes require underlayment, there are some instances where underlayment may not be considered necessary.
How far apart do you put screws in metal roofing?
Make sure that the roofing screws are not too close to each other. It is best to place each roofing screw about one and a half to two feet apart, but not more than that.
Do I need furring strips under metal roof?
When installing a metal roof over an existing roof, insulate the spaces between the wood strips with rigid insulation to prevent condensation before installing the roofing. You also need to add furring strips. Twenty-four inches is a common spacing of furring strips for a metal roof.
Can I install metal roofing directly over shingles?
In almost every case, the answer is yes, you can lay down a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons metal roofs keep growing in popularity – their installation doesn’t require completely tearing off the existing roof, which is a time-consuming and expensive job.
Does a metal roof need to be vented?
Energy Savings Proper ventilation is needed to ensure the energy efficiency a metal roof provides. An effectively ventilated metal roof helps to prevent energy waste and excess cooling cost that can occur when attic heat builds up with.
Can metal roofing be screwed to OSB?
No, you do not need to screw into solid lumber (joists, stripping,etc.). As you can see, the thinnest material they recommend is 1/2” (7/16”) OSB board at 9” on center up to 24” on center. Be sure to follow their instructions in order to obtain the warranty.
Can you put metal roofing directly on plywood?
Metal roofing should not be installed directly over the top of bare plywood. You do not have to install roofing shingles or other roofing material, but a felt sheet over the plywood is the bare minimum. When the metal expands or contracts with changing temperatures, it can tear or wear away the felt sheeting.
What underlayment do you use on a metal roof?
Known by many different names (including felt paper, roofing tar paper, and asphalt-soaked felt), felt underlayment is the most commonly used type of underlayment material on steep-slope metal roofs.
Is it okay to overlap metal roofing?
Metal roof panels are designed to overlap with one another, helping you keep water from leaking where two panels meet. The amount of overlap that is required generally depends on the overall slope of your roof. During the installation process, start by calculating the pitch of your roof.
How much should a metal roof overhang?
A typical metal roof overhang may be 2 to 4 inches, or even less. Some slight overhang is recommended, in conjunction with a drip edge flashing, to prevent water from getting under the roofing and onto underlying wood.
How often do you screw standing seam metal roof?
Corrugated roof panels and other exposed fastener metal roofs are usually held together with screws every 18 inches or 2 feet. You will want to note your metal roof screw pattern, so you know where to look for potential problems.
Can you put a metal roof over shingles without furring strips?
One option for installing a metal roof over shingles without furring strips is to use a cross-batten style. A cross-batten technique involves laying down vertical battens first. Next, the battens attach through the roof deck to your rafters.
Should a metal roof be installed over battens?
By design, some metal roofs MUST be installed over battens, some MUST NEVER be installed over battens, and some can be installed over battens OR solid decking. So, whichever way you go, it’s important to choose the right product and install it per manufacturer specifications.
Can you walk on metal roof?
Metal roofing can be walked but, homeowners should refrain from doing so for safety reasons. If a contractor does need to walk your roof, they should practice sound safety procedures and follow OSHA safety requirements.
Do metal roofs leak more than shingles?
Do Metal Roofs Leak More Than Shingles? If installed incorrectly, metal roofs have the potential to leak more than shingles. However, if you find an experienced contractor who can install it correctly, metal roofs shed snow and ice to prevent moisture buildup.
Is a metal roof better than a shingle roof?
Metal roofing is durable and routinely lasts 2-4 times longer than shingles. Homeowners like the idea of buying only one more roof in their life instead of potentially several. Metal roofing outperforms shingles in cases of hail and other severe weather events.
How do you vent a metal roof over shingles?
To vent the roof, holes are cut in the old roof (Detail 1) above the soffit, which pulls air through the soffit vents underneath. Cool outside air then travels under the shingles to the vented ridge (Detail 2), pulling out moisture and heat.
Does a metal roof need an air gap?
Above sheathing ventilation (ASV) is achieved by having continuous air flow between the roof sheathing and the metal panel system. Therefore, metal roofing manufacturers often recommend providing an air gap between the metal roofing and the sheathing.
Do I need purlins for a metal roof?
When it comes to roofing, metal purlins are a critical element needed to give the structure proper support. Though we do not do installations ourselves, Western States Metal Roofing has been providing contractors with the materials required for a successful installation for over two decades.
How do you install a metal roof without sheathing?
If you choose to omit the plywood from a residential construction, install a vapor barrier between the purlins and the metal roof, or plan to spray closed-cell foam insulation between the rafters to eliminate the temperature differential between the air in the building and the metal.
Does a metal roof need strapping?
Single wood strapping is better than no strapping, as it creates a wider gap between the existing roof decking and the metal roof, but doesn’t afford enough ventilation to resolve condensation issues. It also does not allow leveling of the roof, which corrects swells and swales on the roof.
Can you put metal roofing directly on rafters?
Metal roofing can be installed directly on open rafters. The vapor barrier built into such insulation helps to minimize the amount of condensation that drips down from the roof, and the insulation itself can help to keep the interior of the building at a comfortable temperature.
What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?
Disadvantages of metal roofs Affordability. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. Noisiness. Expansion, contraction and fasteners. Inconsistency of color match. Performance.
What type of underlayment do you use on a metal roof?
The traditional and most common material used for roof underlayment on a steep-slope metal roof is non-perforated, asphalt-impregnated felt underlayment. There are several types of felt underlayment including both organic reinforced and inorganic reinforced.
Can metal roofing be installed without plywood?
Can Metal Roofing Be Installed Directly to Plywood? Metal roofing should not be installed directly over the top of bare plywood. You do not have to install roofing shingles or other roofing material, but a felt sheet over the plywood is the bare minimum.
Do you need a vapor barrier under a metal roof?
To avoid condensation buildup with your metal roof, you will need to have a moisture barrier in place. It depends on air temperature, water vapor near the metal panels, the prevalence of warm air in and around your roof assembly, and other conditions.
Can you walk on a metal building roof?
Most metal roofs are manufactured and installed in such a way as to be safe to walk across without the worry of damaging the roof. You might mark or scuff the finish or paint on your metal roof, but average foot traffic shouldn’t significantly impact the longevity or performance of your metal roof.
Should a metal roof be vented?
Proper ventilation is needed to ensure the energy efficiency a metal roof provides. An effectively ventilated metal roof helps to prevent energy waste and excess cooling cost that can occur when attic heat builds up with.
